A Canadian-American Author

The relationship between Canada and the United States of America is complex. May Canadians are descended from Tories (loyal to King George III) who fled or were driven from the United States between 1783 and 1800 after the British lost the American war for independence.

Although Canada fought against the United States in the War of 1812, even at that time there were close ties between many Canadian families and northern US families. Some people make rude jokes about Canada being the 51st state. But we have close ties with the Canadians.

Canadian merchants and artists have traveled back and forth between Canada and the United States throughout the two countries' history. Sometimes neither country can lay full claim to the achievements of one of its citizens, for that person has lived in both countries.

Spencer Bassett was one such "dual American". He was born in Canada and died in the United States.

Bassett exemplied the close relationship that has always existed between Canada and the USA.